Library card applicants under age 18 must have application signed by parent or legal guardian to activate account.

Arlington Public Library participates in a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Mansfield Public Library and the Kennedale Public Library. Users may freely access and return items from all three collections.

AISD and UTA students, faculty, and staff may obtain a free library card with proof of attendance or employment.

Where to apply

If you live in Arlington, Kennedale, Mansfield, or Pantego, and want to check out physical items AND use our online resources, you may apply in person or online. All applications require a trip to the library before they are finalized. We need to verify your address in person with a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, consulate ID, or passport). Temporary card numbers, created through the online application process, will not work for online services such as eBooks.

All students, teachers and faculties at schools and licensed daycares in Arlington are eligible for a free library card, regardless of residence. Primary, secondary, and post-secondary public, charter and private schools are all eligible. Bring proof of attendance or employment to any Arlington Public Library location to get your card.

Additionally, Arlington Independent School District students have access to public library resources such as computers, databases and eBooks using their AISD student ID (ie. lunch number) or Arlington library card. Students may also check out up to 2 physical items at a time. The default password for computers and online resources is 1234.

What is an eCard?

eCards are virtual library cards that give Arlington residents limited access to online library resources. Once registered successfully, you will be emailed a barcode number that you can use to log in to our online services with a 4-digit PIN of your choice. You do not need an eCard if you have a standard Arlington Public Library card. Your physical card allows you all the benefits of an eCard (and more). Only one card of either type is permitted per individual.

The Arlington Public Library has partnership agreements with Kennedale, Mansfield, and Pantego. Residents of these cities can get a free library card at any location. If you have an account with one of these cities, you can also use your existing library card at any of our locations.

Students, faculty and staff at any licensed daycare, primary, secondary or post-secondary public, charter, or private school located in the Arlington city limits can also receive a free library card. Bring proof of attendance or employment to any location to set up your account.

Paid non-resident accounts

If one of the other options doesn’t fit, you can still get a library card to access all of the great content we have to offer! Multiple options are available.

Individual Full Services ($50/year) - Same privileges as a resident, with full borrowing including digital and public computer services.

Family Full Services ($75/year) - Includes up to 4 linked cards, each with full services. All users must reside in the same household.

Public Computer Use Only ($25/year) - May use our public computers for the same amount of sessions per day as residents (currently 4 sessions). No borrowing privileges for physical, digital items or study rooms.

Corporate cards are issued to Arlington businesses in the name of the executive of the firm, who is also the person responsible for any materials borrowed on this card. A regular library card may also be an option for broader borrowing privileges. The executive officer (owner, manager, director, or principal) bearing responsibility for the card must sign the library card application in person at any Arlington Public Library location.

Renew a Library Card

Library cards must be renewed every two years in person. You may do this at any branch by presenting a government-issued ID that has a photo, recent proof of your current address, and paying any balance owed in full.

Replace a Lost Library Card

For security reasons, the library will need to cancel your old card and issue a new one. Please visit any library branch and present a government issued ID that has a photo and recent proof of your current address. There is a $1 fee for a replacement card.